“We’re very lucky to have him because he’s the best in the world, I don’t care what the critics say”

Ander Herrera

But Herrera insists he remains the best there is.

“He’s so so strong,” said Herrera. “I remember when I was in Spain and he signed for the club, the first couple of months were hard for him.

“But he became the best goalkeeper in the world in the next four years, so I’m very relaxed about him.

“We’re very lucky to have him because he’s the best in the world, I don’t care what the critics say.

“He’s the best goalkeeper in the world by far and he’ll show it again.

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Man Utd news: De Gea was criticised for his World Cup performances for Spain

“When you’re the best goalkeeper in the world and you don’t make those amazing saves, everyone is going to talk.

“When I don’t play very well, I don’t get that criticism, because I’m not one of the best in the world, but he is, so it’s normal and he’ll cope with it.”

De Gea is set to join up with United on their US tour in time for next Wednesday’s LA friendly with AC Milan, before facing arch rivals Liverpool three days later in Michigan and Real Madrid in Miami.

De Gea, United’s Player of the Year from 2014 to 2016, won his first Golden Glove last season, awarded to the Premier League keeper with the most clean sheets.

And Herrera said United’s fans, who stood by De Gea despite coming close to joining Real Madrid in 2015, will show him the same level of support in the wake of his World Cup woe.

“We have - I think - the biggest amount of fans in the world,” said Herrera. “They’re very loyal.

“They’ve already shown that to him and he knows he’s going to get them back. We’re very, very relaxed because he’s going to show again that he’s the best in the world and give again maybe eight or 10 points this season.

“I remember that difficult summer when everyone was talking about Real Madrid and he played the first game at Old Trafford and everyone was singing his name.

“He told me ‘this is amazing, they’re the best’. He can be very calm, but he’s the best and he’ll show it again.

“He’s the best keeper I’ve ever seen in my life and he’s with us, so we have more chances to win titles.”